Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together

Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex Friendship, and Life Together  is the newest book from pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife Grace. Mark is often known for his controversial methods and ideas, so I was intrigued at what he had to say about marriage,  that hasn’t already been said in countless other marriage books, and as usual Pastor mark doesn’t disappoint.

The book is divided into three parts. Part one deals with all aspects of marriage, part two deals with sex and part three  deals with application of the truths discussed throughout the book.

In part one there is your typical marriage advice filtered throughout five chapters and written from both the male and female point of view, however there is one distinct difference: the need for friendship with your spouse. The concept of your wife truly being your best friend and what that looks like for husband and wife was not only refreshing but also helpful at defining roles between partners.

In part two there is not your typical advice on sex in the marriage.  While there is some typical talk of sexual roles and advice this is where Pastor Mark and Grace will cause some people to blush. While what happens behind the bedroom doors in a marriage relationship is the business of the married couple, there are certain acts discussed that I don’t know are quite helpful to all people. Had I read this part of the book before reading part one, it would have seemed somewhat dark and perverse, but keeping in context with the overall theme of what he says about the marriage relationship, it lends itself to answer questions that many people struggle with.

The last part focuses on reverse-engineering your marriage. This is where you look forward in time and determine what you hope to accomplish through out your life, where God wants you to be,  and how you can finish well in your marriage. I have applied this logic to other areas but had not considered it in light of the marriage relationship.

Overall, I would recommend Real Marriage to individuals who are already married. It is definitely helpful to have a book that is honest and relevant to people living in this culture, that is sexually saturated, on how to keep your marriage pure and holy before God and your spouse.

I would be more hesitant to recommend this book to engaged couples, primarily on the basis of their understanding of Scripture, their ideas of marriage and their past relationships.

But as far as marriage books go, I would recommend this one.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255